IV
119THCONGRESS
1
STSESSION H. RES. 395
Establishing a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ to support United States law enforcement
personnel nationwide in their work to protect our communities.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY7, 2025
Mr. G
ARBARINO(for himself, Ms. MALLIOTAKIS, Ms. TENNEY, Mr. LAWLER,
Mr. L
ANGWORTHY, Mr. LALOTA, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. STAUBER, Mr.
W
EBERof Texas, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, and Ms. STEFANIK) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judici-
ary
RESOLUTION
Establishing a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ to support United States
law enforcement personnel nationwide in their work to
protect our communities.
Whereas calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, ‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abol-
ish’’ the police should be condemned and rule of law
should be strictly maintained;
Whereas law enforcement officers take an oath to never be-
tray the public trust;
Whereas in the course of investigations into officers who have
allegedly exhibited misconduct, law enforcement should
have certain rights to ensure a fair administration of jus-
tice, including—
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(1) a law enforcement officer’s inherent right to self-
defense against physical threats;
(2) a law enforcement officer’s right to legal re-
course if a civilian attempts to assault the law enforce-
ment officer;
(3) a law enforcement officer’s right to be protected
from physical harassment targeting a law enforcement of-
ficer;
(4) a law enforcement officer’s right to equipment
necessary for personal protection;
(5) a law enforcement officer’s right to counsel and
a union representative present at any interview conducted
as part of an investigation;
(6) a law enforcement officer’s right to be informed
of the nature of the investigation before any interview
commences, including the name of the complainant and
sufficient information to reasonably apprise the officer of
the allegations;
(7) during questioning in the course of an investiga-
tion a law enforcement officer’s right—
(A) to not be subjected to any offensive lan-
guage;
(B) to not be threatened with departmental,
civil, or criminal charges; and
(C) to not receive financial or promotional in-
ducement;
(8) a law enforcement officer’s right to a hearing,
with notification in advance of the date, access to tran-
scripts, other relevant documents, and evidence;
(9) a law enforcement officer’s right to have the op-
portunity to respond to adverse accusations; and
(10) a law enforcement officer’s right to not be dis-
ciplined for exercising a Fifth Amendment right to re-
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•HRES 395 IH
main silent unless granted immunity that such state-
ments will not be used against the officer in any criminal
proceeding;
Whereas in order to ensure these investigations are conducted
in a manner that protects the public, respects the rights
of law enforcement personnel, and is conducive to good
order and discipline;
Whereas States across the country are encouraged to adopt
a ‘‘Bill of Rights’’ for law enforcement personnel for pro-
tections related to investigation and prosecution arising
from conduct during official performance of duties;
Whereas the law enforcement community protects our streets,
acknowledges the rights of all Americans, and keeps citi-
zens safe from harm;
Whereas law enforcement officers are recognized for their
public service to all, knowing they face extremely dan-
gerous situations while carrying out their duties; and
Whereas a healthy and collaborative relationship between law
enforcement officers and the communities they serve is
essential to creating mutually respectful dialogue: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1
(1) recognizes all law enforcement agencies and 2
officers for their tireless work to protect us and 3
make our communities safer; 4
(2) condemns calls to ‘‘defund’’, ‘‘disband’’, 5
‘‘dismantle’’, or ‘‘abolish’’ the police; 6
(3) encourages dialogue between law enforce-7
ment and their respective communities to improve 8
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•HRES 395 IH
public safety, and engage all of society’s stake-1
holders; and 2
(4) respects the rights of police officers to carry 3
out their duties to protect our communities with in-4
tegrity and have essential protections during the 5
course of investigations. 6
Æ
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